⇐ Procedures 

Diagnostic Procedure

At bookmechanic.uk, we work with a wide network of independent mechanics. To ensure a smooth, consistent experience for customers — and to protect you from potential misunderstandings — it’s important to follow our platform’s procedures and guidelines at all times.

At BookMechanic.uk, a diagnostic procedure may involve either an electronic diagnostic tool (plug-in) or a manual inspection of the vehicle’s key components.

Booking and Responsibility

When accepting a diagnostic job, you agree to attend the booking as outlined in our standard procedure. Only accept diagnostic inspections if you’re confident you can also carry out any likely follow-up repairs.
Example: If a vehicle presents with overheating and coolant loss, the likely issue could be a failed head gasket. If this is a repair you do not offer, do not accept the job.

Time Allocation and Expectations

Each diagnostic inspection is allocated 0.9 hours. Within this time, the aim is to identify the fault.

  • If the issue is minor and can be resolved without additional parts and within the allocated time, it should be repaired at no extra cost to the customer.
  • If further time is needed to identify the fault, you must inform the customer as soon as possible. They can then choose whether to proceed with extended diagnostics.

If the customer agrees to continue, the additional time must be quoted and charged through the BookMechanic.uk Booking Platform.

If the customer decides not to proceed with further diagnostics, provide a clear summary of all diagnostic work completed. The initial 0.9-hour diagnostic charge still applies and should be processed through the platform.

After the Diagnosis

Once the issue is identified:

  1. Communicate the fault to the customer clearly.
  2. Log the diagnosis in the booking, including any relevant fault codes and photographic evidence.
  3. Provide a quote for the required repair, using the BookMechanic quoting system wherever possible to maintain consistency.

If the customer accepts the quote, complete the repair and issue a single combined invoice that includes the diagnostic and repair.

If the customer is unsure or wants time to consider the repair:

  • Complete and charge for the diagnostic only.
  • Send a follow-up repair quote through the platform for their review.

Repairs Outside Your Scope

If the required repair is not something you can perform:

  • Fill out the relevant form on behalf of the customer.
  • Our internal team will prepare a quote and connect the customer with another trusted mechanic from the BookMechanic.uk network.